T-lymphocyte interactions in cardiac transplant rejection

Transplant rejection is a complex cascade of cellular and molecular inflammatory events triggered by the recognition of donor antigens by the recipient immune system. The interaction between T-cell receptors on "helper" T cells and donor antigen confers specificity of the response, whereas accessory cell interactions and growth factor (lymphokine) secretion regulate the variety of cellular responses. An understanding of these cellular and molecular interactions may promote new therapeutic strategies.